Director, User Services (Storytelling)

National Geographic; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 131,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan with 6+

Flexible paid time off (up to 22 days)

Paid holidays and winter break

Parental leave and adoption benefits

Learning and development opportunities

Lifestyle Spending Account

Employee discounts

Job summary

National Geographic Society is seeking a Director of User Services for Special Collections to lead access to physical and digital collections and to guide research services and exhibitions strategy. The role will oversee a public reading room refurbishment, rights workflows, and engagement with diverse communities, including underserved groups.

The position requires a BA and a preferred MS in Library/Information Science or related field, with 10+ years in archives or museums and 3+ years of

Qualifications

• Experience leading a reference service or similar client‑focused program.
• Experience managing and developing systems and resources.
• Demonstrated commitment to open and equitable access.
• Understanding of restrictions on use of and access to collections material and how to manage them.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee a vibrant reference and research program that promotes National Geographic’s legacy internally and outside NGS through physical and digital collections and information resources and digital technologies that expand impact and improve services.
• Present finding aids, digital collections, research services, access procedures, copyright and restrictions, and historical information with clarity and accessibility at the forefront.
• With the CHHC Project team and Storytelling program officers, support new programs for storytelling and descendant community grantees.

Skills

Reference services

Rights management

Data analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree in Library/Info Science or related

Job description

How You’ll Contribute

The Storytelling team works to expand the organization’s impact through journalism, photography, film/video, web content, mapping, and data visualization. As one of the largest funders to individual storytellers in this work, it also identifies key grantmaking, and fellowship opportunities with creative talent. Much of the team’s programmatic activity is focused on identifying and building capacity for the next generation of diverse storytellers. National Geographic Society’s Special Collections chronicle more than 138 years of Society history through historical documents, maps, oral histories, audio and video recordings, photographs, artifacts, and media assets from our current Explorer‑led science, storytelling, and education programs. Special Collections shares the story of National Geographic Society’s past and present by expertly managing its unique archival, media, and information resources. We seek to create a more inclusive narrative by inspiring users to engage with and build on these materials. Reporting to the V.P. of Special Collections, the Director of User Services leads the team in providing internal and external users with access to physical and digital collections and information resources through online platforms and onsite visits. The Director of User Services will develop a vision and strategy for User Services that includes expanding access to physical and digital collections; developing solutions for access and restrictions that respect legal, ethical and privacy considerations; integrating disparate rights management workflows; developing Special Collections’ research resources; opening a new research facility; gathering, analyzing, and responding to use statistics; and pursuing new opportunities to showcase collections through exhibitions and present content online through new websites and digital initiatives. A critical focus of this position over the next seven years is facilitating the work of a project team in establishing a Center for Human Histories and Cultures (CHHC) and working in step with the project team to meet broad goals for access, research support, and museum registration.

Your Impact Responsibilities Include:

• User Services (60%) Develop and oversee a vibrant reference and research program that promotes National Geographic’s legacy internally and outside NGS through physical and digital collections and information resources and digital technologies that expand impact and improve services. Present finding aids, digital collections, research services, access procedures, copyright and restrictions, and historical information with clarity and accessibility at the forefront. With the CHHC Project team and Storytelling program officers, support new programs for storytelling and descendant community grantees. Oversee collection registration functions, and serve as the strategic liaison with the Society’s museum exhibitions and events teams. Integrate and improve rights management workflows in partnership with the Legal teams at the Society and Disney partners. Respond to growing need for rights and reproductions requests internally and externally. Develop a vision and strategy for unique and excellent services to our partners at Disney and Cengage, and the Society’s community of explorers. With the CHHC project team, and in close consultation with Campus & Experiences, oversee the refurbishment and operation of a public reading room. Support the CHHC project team in cultivating deep and engaged relationships with communities, including underserved and/or historically marginalized communities, for purposes of co‑creating and co‑designing content, programs, and events that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Resource Development and Systems Advisement (20%) Oversees internal reference resources including subscription databases, research tools, and guides, interlibrary loan, and ebook procurement. Develops capacity to host and collect datasets. Responsible for user access to systems, the proper maintenance of restrictions, and copyright management within Special Collections’ systems. Works with Technology, consultants, and CHHC project staff to craft interfaces that promote excellent user experiences and create opportunities for crowd sourcing and other forms of community participation.
• Strategic Planning (15%) With the guidance of the V.P. of Special Collection and in close collaboration with the Special Collections Leadership Team (SCLT), lead long‑range planning for a vibrant and effective User Services program. Develop and maintain business relationships with key stakeholders throughout NGS and Partners at Disney and Cengage. Work with SCLT and Advancement teams to identify current and new donors with potential for gifts and funding for Special Collections.
• Professional Development (5%) Stay up to date on the archival industry best practices. Represent the National Geographic Society Special Collections at conferences and events.

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree required. A master's degree from an accredited university with a concentration in Library and Information Science, History, Museum Studies, Social Science, or similar discipline is preferred.

Minimum Years and Types of Experience

10+ years of progressively successful experience in archives, special collections libraries, museums, or similar settings, particularly in a reference and research service, outreach and engagement, instruction or communication capacity. 3+ years demonstrated leadership and program management experience.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Experience leading a reference service or similarly client‑focused program.
• Experience managing and developing systems and resources.
• Demonstrated commitment to open and equitable access.
• Understanding of restrictions on use of and access to collections material and how to manage them.
• Knowledge of museum practices.
• Effective written and verbal communications skills.
• Must have attention to detail.
• Experience in creating research guides, online learning materials, and training classes.
• Experience gathering, analyzing, and reporting on data and metrics and implementing data‑driven decision making.
• Broad knowledge of National Geographic history, organization, and mission and fields directly related to NGS collections and history preferred, including history of science, travel, exploration, publishing and photography.
• Ability to lead people, work effectively with all levels of management and staff, collaborate across teams, and foster a culture of trust and reciprocity.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong customer service focus, with well‑rounded analytical and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to analyze problems and situations and plan, develop, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of management and staff.
• Ability to foster creativity and collaboration within and across teams; ability to build and sustain positive relationships inside and outside the organization.

Supervision 4 direct reports

4 direct reports

Salary Information

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry‑specific market data for similar‑sized nonprofit organizations. The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The salary range for this position is $131,100.00 - $138,000.00.

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• engaging and comprehensive wellness program
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
• flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave
• 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (May not apply to all roles that are required to work during high volume seasons or essential workers. Please check with the hiring manager for confirmation.)
• paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits
• learning and development opportunities
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• pet adoption assistance and insurance
• pre‑tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy
• employer‑paid life insurance and disability benefit
• a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks

Job Designation Resident

Our Resident category recognizes that certain staff need to be physically present at Base Camp to do their work. Some Resident staff must be at Base Camp every day to do their jobs, while others may only need to be physically present onsite some of the time to meet looming deadlines or to get work done and may require a unique schedule. As such, this category has been revised to provide maximum flexibility depending on what’s required for each individual role. The days Resident staff come into the office will be determined by their teams and workflow, and they should work with their supervisors to determine their specific schedule. And throughout the year, their schedule may be adjusted based on cyclical work cycles, deadlines, and/or ebbs and flows of work.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Who We Are

The National Geographic Society uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Our mission is only complete when our staff, explorers, educators, youth and partners are seen, valued, and heard. We embrace each person’s identity, experiences, and abilities, and we commit to cultivating an environment where everyone benefits from opportunity, mutual respect and a sense of belonging. National Geographic’s headquarters is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. We offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental benefits, generous vacation and parental leave time, a 401(k) plan, flexible work options, and career development.